Nuclear Physics Consolidated Grant

Abstract

The majority of the visible mass of the universe is made up of atomic nuclei that lie at the centre of atoms. Nuclear physics seeks to answer fundamental questions such as: "How do the laws of physics work when driven to the extremes? What are the fundamental constituents and fabric of the universe and how do they interact? How did the universe begin and how is it evolving? What is the nature of nuclear and hadronic matter?" The aim of our research is to study the properties of atomic nuclei and to measure the properties of hot nuclear matter in order to answer these questions. No one yet knows how heavy a nucleus can be; in other words, just how many neutrons and protons can be made to bind together. We will study the heaviest nuclei that can be made in the laboratory and determine their properties which will allow better predictions to be made for the "superheavies". For lighter nuclei we will explore in the region of the proton and neutron drip lines, which are the borders between bound and unbound nuclei. We will determine more precisely than ever before the location of these drip lines. Nuclei beyond the proton drip line have so much electrical charge that they are highly unstable and try to achieve greater stability through the process of proton emission. We will investigate how nuclear behaviour is affected when protons become unbound.For these exotic systems we will also explore how the nucleus prefers to rearrange its shape, which can be a sphere, rugby ball, pear, etc. and how it stores its energy among the possible degrees of freedom. We will also investigate how the properties of these nuclei develop as we make them spin faster and faster. We will try to determine the precise nature of ultra high spin states in heavy nuclei, just before the nucleus breaks up due to fission. By violently removing a nucleon from a nucleus in a nuclear reaction at high energies and measuring its properties, we can investigate to what extent the nucleon "feels" the influence of its neighbouring nucleons, whether it is correlated with them. Such information tells us about the nuclear force inside the nucleus at different inter-nucleon distances. Nuclear matter can exist in different phases, analogous to the solid, liquid, gas and plasma phases in ordinary substances. By varying the temperature, density or pressure, nuclear matter can undergo a transition from one phase to another. In extreme conditions of density and temperature (about 100 thousands times more than the temperature at the heart of the sun!), a phase transition should occur and quarks and gluons (of which the protons and neutrons are made of) should exist in a new state of matter called the Quark-Gluon Plasma. By colliding nuclei together at high energies at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, we will study properties of this new state of matter. Such information is not only important for nuclear physics but also to understand neutron stars and other compact astrophysical objects.This programme of research will employ a large variety of experimental methods to probe many aspects of nuclear structure and the phases of strongly interacting matter, mostly using instrumentation that we have constructed at several world-leading accelerator laboratories. The work will require a series of related experiments at a range of facilities in order for us to gain an insight into the answers to the questions posed above. These experiments will help theorists to refine and test their calculations that have attempted to predict the properties of nuclei and nuclear matter, often with widely differing results. The resolution of this problem will help us to describe complex many-body nuclear systems and better understand conditions in our universe a few fractions of a second after the big bang.

Planned Impact

Nuclear physics research and technology development has had a huge beneficial influence in our Society. Through low-carbon energy production, radiation detection for national security or environmental monitoring and cancer diagnosis and treatment in modern healthcare, the applications emerging from nuclear physics are numerous.

Recent high-profile scientific discoveries include:- The confirmation of the existence of the superheavy chemical element 117, which was an APS top 10 physics news story in 2014. In collaboration with Lund and GSI, researchers from Liverpool demonstrated a way to identify new elements directly. This led to element 117 being named tennessine in 2016.- ISOLDE was used to study the shape of the short-lived isotopes 220Rn and 224Ra. The data show that while 224Ra is pear shaped, 220Rn vibrates about this shape. The results of the Liverpool-led measurements, that also have implications for atomic EDM measurements, was selected as a top 10 breakthrough in physics by Physics World in 2013 and continues to receive strong interest from the media world-wide.- The work at ultra-high spin in nuclei has been cited as one of the Science highlights of 2013 and in the major 2012 decadal report "Nuclear Physics: Exploring the Heart of Matter" and more recently as an article in the journal celebrating the Bohr, Mottelson and Rainwater Nobel prize.- The ALICE measurement of the mass difference between 2H/anti-2H and 3He/anti-3He nuclei was published in Nature with a video summary and received attention in the international news media. Article metrics show that this paper was in the top 1% for online attention.

The University of Liverpool has significant industrial engagement programmes that support knowledge exchange and the development of future REF returnable impact cases with a focus on nuclear measurement techniques and instrumentation. Industrial collaborators include AWE, Canberra, Kromek, Ametek, John Caunt Scientific, Metropolitan Police, MoD, National Nuclear Laboratory, Rapiscan, Sellafield Ltd. and a large number of NHS Trusts.

The University Department of Physics is one of only three national training providers for the Modernising Scientific Careers Clinical Science (Medical Physics) MSc, funded by the NHS. This provides a unique opportunity to build collaborative research and Continuing Professional Development partnerships within the Healthcare sector.

Beyond satisfying human curiosity around the workings of nature, pure research in nuclear physics has also tremendous societal impact. The University of Liverpool has an excellent track record in public engagement and outreach in a subject that has a natural fascination for the public. Indeed, it fulfils the important role of educating the public in nuclear radiation and its wider aspects, both positive and negative and is important to drive interest in the study of STEM subjects. Nuclear Physicists are frequently invited to share their knowledge and talk about their research at schools, science festivals and community groups.

The University of Liverpool hosts the state-of-the-art Central Teaching Laboratory (CTL) facility. The CTL has a dedicated laboratory for Nuclear Physics and radiation measurements and schools and outreach activities will be held on a regular basis with University support. In November 2016 the CTL will host a Science Jamboree for 300 Cubs, Beavers and Brownies. We also plan a family day in the CTL with the aim of improving knowledge of both nuclear physics research and applications in energy, security and healthcare.

The Liverpool group has an extensive list of media interactions. In particular Professor Butler and Dr Harkness-Brennan have contributed to BBC TV and Radio broadcasts and have recorded Podcasts and other online resources for public engagement. The ALICE experiment featured prominently in the recent BBC production presented by Jim Al-Khalili on The Beginning and End on the Universe.

The NuPECC Long Range Plan for all aspects of Nuclear Physics was published in 2017.
NuPECC's mission is "to provide advice and make recommendations on the development, organisation, and support of European nuclear research and of particular projects." The report features the recommendations of NuPECC for the development of nuclear physics research in Europe followed by a comprehensive chapter on large and smaller facilities, existing, under construction or planned.
The report has been discussed with national funding agencies by the NuPECC task force to foster awareness and good alignment of the research portfolios.

Intellectual contributions to this research and development project, particularly in the ASIC design.

Impact

Development of the Advanced Implantation Detector Array (AIDA) for experimental research programmes at GSI/FAIR.

Start Year

2007

Description

AIDA

Organisation

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

Country

United Kingdom

Sector

Public

PI Contribution

Overall design specification, testing and systems integration.

Collaborator Contribution

Intellectual contributions to this research and development project, particularly in the ASIC design.

Impact

Development of the Advanced Implantation Detector Array (AIDA) for experimental research programmes at GSI/FAIR.

Start Year

2007

Description

AIDA

Organisation

University of Edinburgh

Department

School of Physics and Astronomy

Country

United Kingdom

Sector

Academic/University

PI Contribution

Overall design specification, testing and systems integration.

Collaborator Contribution

Intellectual contributions to this research and development project, particularly in the ASIC design.

Impact

Development of the Advanced Implantation Detector Array (AIDA) for experimental research programmes at GSI/FAIR.

Start Year

2007

Description

ALICE Collaboration

Organisation

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

Department

ALICE Collaboration

Country

Switzerland

Sector

Public

PI Contribution

Data analysis of LHC data from Run1 and Run2 (heavy-flavour physics working group).
ITS upgrade project: Monte Carlo simulations, construction of modules and staves for the Outer Barrel.
Supervision of UG and PhD student projects.
Meetings of ALICE-UK research groups (Univ. of Birmingham, Univ. of Liverpool, STFC Daresbury).
Presentations at conferences, meetings and workshops.

Collaborator Contribution

Access to beam time, data, GRID and other CERN infrastructure and resources, ALICE collaboration international network etc.

Impact

Publications.
Training of UG and PhD students and research staff.
Invitations to speak at meetings, workshops, conferences.

Start Year

2012

Description

COLLAPS, ISOLDE Laser Spectroscopy

Organisation

Catholic University of Louvain

Country

Belgium

Sector

Academic/University

PI Contribution

Proposal and running of experiments. Contribution to equipment and consumables costs.

Collaborator Contribution

Provision of laboratory apparatus and expertise.

Impact

Active experiments directly related to the research proposal have been approved by the local Programme Advisory Committee. The experimental apparatus required and accelerator beam time have been made available. Several publications have been published or are in preparation.

Start Year

2013

Description

COLLAPS, ISOLDE Laser Spectroscopy

Organisation

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

Department

CERN - ISOLDE

Country

Switzerland

Sector

Academic/University

PI Contribution

Proposal and running of experiments. Contribution to equipment and consumables costs.

Collaborator Contribution

Provision of laboratory apparatus and expertise.

Impact

Active experiments directly related to the research proposal have been approved by the local Programme Advisory Committee. The experimental apparatus required and accelerator beam time have been made available. Several publications have been published or are in preparation.

Start Year

2013

Description

COLLAPS, ISOLDE Laser Spectroscopy

Organisation

Heidelberg University

Country

Germany

Sector

Academic/University

PI Contribution

Proposal and running of experiments. Contribution to equipment and consumables costs.

Collaborator Contribution

Provision of laboratory apparatus and expertise.

Impact

Active experiments directly related to the research proposal have been approved by the local Programme Advisory Committee. The experimental apparatus required and accelerator beam time have been made available. Several publications have been published or are in preparation.

Start Year

2013

Description

COLLAPS, ISOLDE Laser Spectroscopy

Organisation

Technical University of Darmstadt

Country

Germany

Sector

Academic/University

PI Contribution

Proposal and running of experiments. Contribution to equipment and consumables costs.

Collaborator Contribution

Provision of laboratory apparatus and expertise.

Impact

Active experiments directly related to the research proposal have been approved by the local Programme Advisory Committee. The experimental apparatus required and accelerator beam time have been made available. Several publications have been published or are in preparation.

Start Year

2013

Description

GREAT

Organisation

University of Jyvaskyla

Country

Finland

Sector

Academic/University

PI Contribution

Led design and construction of GREAT. Spokesperson for many experiments.

Constructed GREAT spectrometer and TDR DAQ system. Spokesperson of many experiments.

Collaborator Contribution

facility

Impact

24 publications

Description

GREAT collaboration

Organisation

University of Jyvaskyla

Department

Department of Physics

Country

Finland

Sector

Academic/University

PI Contribution

Constructed GREAT spectrometer and TDR DAQ system. Spokesperson of many experiments.

Collaborator Contribution

facility

Impact

24 outputs

Description

GSI Laser Spectroscopy

Organisation

Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres

Department

GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research

Country

Germany

Sector

Public

PI Contribution

Assist in set-up and running of experiments. Co-spokesperson of proposal (ENSAR coordinator).

Collaborator Contribution

Equipment, facility and expertise.

Impact

At least two publications currently in press. First measurement of an optical resonance in nobelium.

Start Year

2014

Description

GSI Laser Spectroscopy

Organisation

Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres

Department

Helmholtz Institute Mainz

Country

Germany

Sector

Public

PI Contribution

Assist in set-up and running of experiments. Co-spokesperson of proposal (ENSAR coordinator).

Collaborator Contribution

Equipment, facility and expertise.

Impact

At least two publications currently in press. First measurement of an optical resonance in nobelium.

Start Year

2014

Description

GSI Laser Spectroscopy

Organisation

Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz

Country

Germany

Sector

Academic/University

PI Contribution

Assist in set-up and running of experiments. Co-spokesperson of proposal (ENSAR coordinator).

Collaborator Contribution

Equipment, facility and expertise.

Impact

At least two publications currently in press. First measurement of an optical resonance in nobelium.

Start Year

2014

Description

GSI Laser Spectroscopy

Organisation

Technical University of Darmstadt

Country

Germany

Sector

Academic/University

PI Contribution

Assist in set-up and running of experiments. Co-spokesperson of proposal (ENSAR coordinator).

Collaborator Contribution

Equipment, facility and expertise.

Impact

At least two publications currently in press. First measurement of an optical resonance in nobelium.

Start Year

2014

Description

GSI Laser Spectroscopy

Organisation

University of Leuven

Country

Belgium

Sector

Academic/University

PI Contribution

Assist in set-up and running of experiments. Co-spokesperson of proposal (ENSAR coordinator).

Collaborator Contribution

Equipment, facility and expertise.

Impact

At least two publications currently in press. First measurement of an optical resonance in nobelium.

Start Year

2014

Description

JYFL Laser Spectroscopy

Organisation

University of Jyvaskyla

Country

Finland

Sector

Academic/University

PI Contribution

Running of the laser spectroscopy set-up, contribution to equipment/consumable funding, spokesperson of several experiments.

Collaborator Contribution

Provision of laboratory space, equipment and accelerator use.

Impact

Active experimental proposals have been awarded accelerator beam time by the local Programme Advisory Committee. The experimental apparatus required to carry out the research has now been commissioned. Many publications in progress.

Start Year

2013

Description

JYFL Laser Spectroscopy

Organisation

University of Manchester

Country

United Kingdom

Sector

Academic/University

PI Contribution

Running of the laser spectroscopy set-up, contribution to equipment/consumable funding, spokesperson of several experiments.

Collaborator Contribution

Provision of laboratory space, equipment and accelerator use.

Impact

Active experimental proposals have been awarded accelerator beam time by the local Programme Advisory Committee. The experimental apparatus required to carry out the research has now been commissioned. Many publications in progress.

Proposal and running of experiments. Contribution to equipment and consumables.

Collaborator Contribution

Provision of laboratory space, apparatus and experience.

Impact

Active experiments directly related to the research proposal have been approved by the local Programme Advisory Committee. The experimental apparatus required and accelerator beam time have been made available.

Start Year

2013

Description

TRIUMF Laser Spectroscopy

Organisation

TRIUMF

Country

Canada

Sector

Public

PI Contribution

Proposal and running of experiments. Contribution to equipment and consumables.

Collaborator Contribution

Provision of laboratory space, apparatus and experience.

Impact

Active experiments directly related to the research proposal have been approved by the local Programme Advisory Committee. The experimental apparatus required and accelerator beam time have been made available.

Start Year

2013

Description

ALICE guide visits

Form Of Engagement Activity

Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution

Part Of Official Scheme?

No

Geographic Reach

International

Primary Audience

Public/other audiences

Results and Impact

Visits for public to ALICE detector at CERN , ongoing program done at CERN

Year(s) Of Engagement Activity

2018

Description

Lead Editor Special Issue NPNI for the Year of the Periodic Table

Form Of Engagement Activity

A magazine, newsletter or online publication

Part Of Official Scheme?

No

Geographic Reach

International

Primary Audience

Professional Practitioners

Results and Impact

Special Issue of Nuclear Physics News International to celebrate the UNESCO year of the Periodic Table

School Workshop "Meet a scientist" With several activities surrounding it.

Year(s) Of Engagement Activity

2019

Description

Visit of ALICE experiment at CERN/LHC by a delegation of British MPs (Marielle Chartier, February 2018)

Form Of Engagement Activity

Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution

Part Of Official Scheme?

No

Geographic Reach

National

Primary Audience

Policymakers/politicians

Results and Impact

Official VIP visit by a delegation of a dozen British MPs to CERN, including the LHC and the ALICE experiment. Promoted the excellence of fundamental research performed at CERN and the positive impact it has on our society inlcuding techological advances, training opportunites of skilled staff, etc.

Year(s) Of Engagement Activity

2018

Data

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APIs

A set of REST API's enable programmatic access to the data. Refer to the application programming interfaces
GtR and GtR-2